Better forecast for UK biofuel crops
Fears that UK growers could lose out under new European biofuel sustainability legislation have been averted, according to the HGCA.
The problem emerged last year when experts warned that figures used by the EU to calculate the carbon footprint of crops grown across different parts of the UK were wrong as they had not accounted for improving production methods and higher yields. In the case of oilseed rape, it meant that less than 5% of production would have met the EU’s minimum threshold for greenhouse gas savings, potentially jeopardising the future of these crops being used in biofuel production, which is a key market for UK rape exports.
However, a review of the regional values used in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) by the HGCA, NFU and industry partners paints a far better picture of UK production. The revised figures have just been accepted by the European Commission and mean that 97% of rape, 84% of wheat and 100% of sugar beet production now meets the RED criteria (see panel).
“The great news is that the EC have accepted the revised regional figures and they can be used with immediate effect, thus ending a period of great uncertainty, boosting confidence and potentially adding several million pounds to the value of the UK biofuel supply chain each year,” said Harley Stoddart, HGCA research and knowledge transfer manager.
“Growers should not be alarmed if their area is in excess of the RED default values, as solutions may still be found. The key is to discuss contracts with buyers and use carbon footprinting tools to help understand what can be done on farm to reduce GHG emissions.”
RED biofuel criteria
From 1 April 2013, crops entering the biofuel supply chain must demonstrate that greenhouse gas emissions associated with their cultivation are equal to or lower than the EU Renewable Energy Directive default values:
- Oilseed rape – 29g CO2-eqv/MJ biofuel
- Winter wheat – 23g CO2-eqv/MJ biofuel
- Sugar beet – 12g CO2-eqv/MJ biofuel
There are two ways to calculate if UK crops meet RED default values – either figures from individual farms or regional figures can be used.
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